Bitumen waterproofing of the foundation, properties, methods of application, useful advice

When building your own home, every owner wants to make it as convenient and comfortable as possible, dreams of living in it for a long time and happily. The guarantee of a long service of any building is its strength and reliability. The guarantee of these qualities is the protection of building materials from the harmful effects of moisture. If the waterproofing is done correctly and qualitatively, then you can be sure of a long service life of both the roof and the foundation.

Modern materials for waterproofing works

Today, in the construction market, the materials with which you can perform high-quality waterproofing are presented quite widely. But experienced specialists among the diversity distinguish one, in their opinion the most universal - bitumen mastic. Only it can guarantee reliable, seamless, impenetrable protection against any kind of liquid, even in places considered difficult to access. It should be noted and the fact that the mastic for waterproofing - the goods are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased by almost anyone.

Bituminous mastic and its characteristics

Modern manufacturers of bitumen mastic make it mixing the following components: bitumen (obtained during refining of petroleum products) in a proportional combination with the ingredients-modifiers. Use of the latter:

• significantly increases the operational period of the coating produced,
• improves its connection with the surface,
• creates practicality and comfort when applied.

You can use mastic not only to provide a good waterproofing for a wooden, brick or concrete surface, it is also used to cover uneven surfaces, puttying cracks, gluing a membrane or roofing material. The main positive qualities of mastic are considered to be: flexibility and elasticity, the possibility of applying different building materials on the surface, the absence of deformations for a long time (faults, cracks, etc.), refractoriness to the actions of various aggressive media.

Mastic bitumen for waterproofing the foundation and not only

To date, mastic is produced in different types, but has one main component - bitumen. It differs only in the characteristics and number of additives. Bitumen mastic is divided into four main groups.

1. Mastic bituminous, ordinary. The most widespread, affordable, kind.
2. Mastic is rubber-bituminous. This composition is highly elastic and not subject to changes under various kinds of influences.
3. Mastic bitumen-emulsion. Used for pre-treatment or intermediate treatment before applying a layer of waterproofing. Has the additional name - a primer. The consistency of the composition is different from the others - it is more liquid.
4. Mastic bitumen-polymer. It includes additives in the form of rubber, solvents, plasticizers. Characterized as a material with a long operating period and high quality indicators.

Method for applying bitumen mastic

There are different methods of applying mastic. It can be applied both cold and hot.

Hot method involves pre-heating it with a gas burner in a special container. The superiority of the cold method is reduced to the absence of the need for heating the waterproofing mixture, which in itself is dangerous, and it will not be necessary to waste time for a sufficiently long heating of the mastic tank. But it is worth noting that the heated composition penetrates faster and more deeply into the material being processed. Most often, heating is used if necessary to maximize the protection of building materials and with the availability of special equipment for its conduct.

What distinguishes the one-component and two-component mastics

Also, mastics are distinguished by their readiness for use. For example, buying a one-component mastic can immediately begin to apply it. Directly before use, stir well. As for the two-component mastic - here everything is a bit more complicated. Such a composition requires the addition of an active component, which significantly increases the rate of solidification. The advantages of the latter can still be attributed to a longer period of storage (more than a year), compared with one-component.

In the composition of bitumen mastic used as a waterproofing, in any case there is a sealant, which at the end of the pouring process forms an impermeable, protective layer. In addition, herbicides and antiseptics are present in the composition, providing additional protection for the structure from molds.

Bitumen mastic for foundation waterproofing

Before you make a purchase of mastic, you need to make certain calculations. Consumption of the composition per 1 sq. M may vary depending on the brand, the manufacturer, the friability and the building material for which it is intended to be applied. According to an average estimate of 1 sq / m, about 250 g will be needed. To obtain the best waterproofing layer, a second application will be required. When buying in a specialized store, you should consult: is it necessary to use the primer for the given brand in advance and whether solvent dilution is necessary.

Bitumen waterproofing of the foundation

The application of mastics of this kind occurs without the use of any specialized equipment. Before starting the application from the surface intended for processing, it is necessary to remove dust and debris, thoroughly dry. To date, in specialized hypermarkets you can find mastic, the application of which does not necessarily require a dry surface. Laying the mastic is allowed on the bituminous covering, which was done earlier, but only if there is no visual disturbance of the holistic cover on it. It is also acceptable to apply mastic on metal constructions with visible rust damage.

The only danger to the mastic layer of waterproofing is the protruding acute moments of the structure. As a rule, before the beginning of the application, the area to be treated is thoroughly inspected and, if necessary, removes all unfavorable moments. If there is a need, then in advance it is possible to apply with a roller, a spray or a brush of 2 layers of a primer or a primer.

Technique for applying bitumen mastic

Bitumen mastic for the foundation in a cold form is applied with a roller or with a flat brush. Compositions of a more dense species are spread over the surface with a spatula of suitable marking. A method of filling the mastic is widely spread, and then it is leveled on the necessary area. The main rule of this method: to achieve the maximum uniform thickness of the coating. Each applied layer must be made integral, the applied strips should be parallel. In cases where the composition of bituminous mastic must be applied to the surface located vertically - the work begins to be carried out from the lower part, gradually moving upwards.

Works associated with external foundation or basement waterproofing are done by applying 2-4 layers of mastic with a total thickness of up to 6 mm. It should be noted that such waterproofing is done using reinforcing mesh to provide additional reinforcement. Calculation of the thickness of the basement or basement will directly depend on the location to the surface of groundwater and the depth of the foundation.

Producing a waterproofing on the walls of the building, apply a maximum of 2 layers. The second layer of mastic composition can be applied only after the first coat has dried completely. The amount of time required for complete drying of the composition directly depends on the degree of humidity, temperature and marking of the bituminous mastic. In order to understand whether the applied layer is dry, you need to touch it with your hand. If the hand does not have a sticky feel, you can start to apply the second layer. In cases where this rule is not respected for some reason, owners expect unpleasant moments: deterioration and disruption of the adhesion process or delamination of the applied bitumen mastic.

When the application of bitumen mastic is performed in compliance with all rules and regulations, the owner can count on a quality-protected premises and trouble-free use for up to 50 years.